The Lagos State Scholarship Board has officially flagged off the Special Scholarship for Inclusion Awards, a landmark initiative aimed at supporting students with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in the state’s tertiary institutions.
The launch event took place at the Radio Lagos/Eko FM Multipurpose Hall and marked a significant step in the government’s commitment to inclusive education across Lagos State.
The scholarship scheme is targeted at students enrolled in Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Technology (LASUTECH), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), Lagos State Cooperative College (LASCOCO), and Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON).
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, emphasized that the initiative reflects Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s drive for inclusivity in education.
“The governor’s vision is that no one is left behind,” Sule stated. “If this scholarship were thrown open to all students regardless of circumstance, students with disabilities might be unable to compete effectively. That is why the Board decided to create a special platform for them.”
He commended the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs. Rasheedat Adaranijo, for her dedication in driving the board’s mandate.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, described the initiative as a significant shift from infrastructure-focused policies to robust social protection efforts.
“This inclusion scholarship is a product of collaboration across multiple agencies, including the Lagos State Scholarship Board and the Office of Civic Engagement. We are also leveraging the State Social Register, managed by the Ministry’s Social Protection Unit, to reach the most vulnerable,” George explained.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Adaranijo described the scholarship as a historic milestone for the Board.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter. This initiative aligns with the state government’s broader agenda of social inclusion and ensuring no one is left behind,” she said. “To students with disabilities, this scholarship is our way of recognizing your value and encouraging your academic journey.”
She extended appreciation to key collaborators, including Mr. Ope George; Special Adviser, Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Olalekan Balogun; and General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, for their roles in securing the relevant data on people with disabilities and vulnerable students.
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal described the initiative as a “fruitful result of strategic partnership,” and urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity.
“My biggest hope is that by the end of your academic program, you’ll look back and say this scholarship improved your life. That success will ensure this initiative continues,” she added.
Other goodwill messages came from Mr. Olalekan Balogun and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students Affairs, Hon. Kapo Samuel.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Miss Yekini Bukola expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Lagos State Government.
“We are grateful and excited. This award is a big encouragement to us all,” she said.
The event climaxed with the presentation of award letters and cheques of ₦225,000 each to the scholarship beneficiaries.
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